Working alongside Director of Community Investment, Patrick Naswell, and fellow team members, Amina and Anahid bring complementary expertise in grantmaking, strategy, research, and community engagement to help connect local needs and knowledge with philanthropic resources across Washtenaw County.
Amina Iqbal, Principal Community Investment Officer & Strategist
In her expanded role, Amina will continue to guide key grantmaking programs and community initiatives, including the Community Grantmaking Program, EmpowerMENt Fund, and Ypsilanti Area Community Fund. Her work focuses on connecting community needs with systems-level opportunities for change and incorporating equity into the Foundation's strategic approach.
An educator at heart, Amina brings more than 21 years of combined volunteer and professional experience in community advancement, civic engagement, and grassroots outreach. Her background includes efforts to advance education, health, and wellness in underserved communities. Born and raised in Michigan, her approach is rooted in building relationships and creating opportunities for communities to learn, grow, and thrive.
Anahid Matossian, Ph.D., Senior Community Investment Officer
Anahid is a cultural anthropologist, social scientist, and community engagement professional with experience spanning government, academia, international research, and philanthropy. At AAACF, she supports place-based grantmaking and community investment across Washtenaw County, with a particular focus on older adults and aging.
Her work includes developing grant opportunities, engaging nonprofits and community stakeholders, reviewing community needs and data, and connecting what is learned from residents and organizations with philanthropic investment.
Anahid describes her approach as "fierce listening", engaging communities with curiosity and humility, taking people's experiences seriously, and using what she learns to inform meaningful action. Before joining AAACF, she held research, policy, and community engagement roles with the University of Michigan, U.S. Department of State, U.S. Marine Corps, and U.S. Army and was a Fulbright researcher in Armenia.
An Ann Arbor native, Anahid is delighted to be back in her hometown, where she enjoys spending time with her young son and exploring the community.
Strengthening Community Investment
Together, Amina and Anahid help strengthen AAACF's ability to listen, learn, and respond to evolving community needs while building connections among residents, nonprofits, community partners, and philanthropy.
To learn more about AAACF and its community investments, visit aaacf.org.
About AAACF
The Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation works to improve economic mobility and quality of life for all residents of Washtenaw County, today, tomorrow, and for generations to come.
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